News from the Field Archives - National Wraparound Initiative (NWI)
Wraparound-Like Approach Holds Promise for Intervention in Psychosis
July 11, 2025 | NWI
Open Dialogue, an approach to mental health treatment, has a lot in common with Wraparound. This article describes the approach, as well as promising findings.
“Addictive Use,” Not Screen Time Alone, Is the Real Mental Health Risk
July 11, 2025 | NWI
Researchers found children with highly addictive use of phones, video games or social media were two to three times as likely to have thoughts of suicide or to harm themselves.
Lack of Sleep Disrupts Key Brain Functions in Adolescents
July 11, 2025 | NWI
Teens’ sleeping habits may affect how their brain functions, according to this new research. And lack of quality sleep may put kids at risk of developing problem behaviors in the future.
Fewer High Schoolers Say They’ve Had Sex
July 11, 2025 | NWI
Today’s high schoolers are reporting lower rates of sexual activity than previous generations. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2023, 32 percent of high schoolers said they’ve ever had sexual intercourse. That’s a noticeable drop from 54 percent in 1991 and 47 percent in 2013.
Rejecting Chronic Absenteeism as the New Normal in Student Attendance
July 11, 2025 | NWI
The number of students missing more than 10% of the school year skyrocketed in the COVID years from 15% in 2019 to 28% in 2022. Five years after the pandemic, attendance still hasn’t returned to normal, with 23% of K-12 students chronically absent. This article argues that America must reject the new normal of lower student attendance rates and act now to get attendance back on track, and presents some strategies.
Study Explores Relationship Between Stigma and Children’s Emotional and Behavioral Health
May 30, 2025 | NWI
A recent study investigates how stigma experienced by parents in sexual and gender minority (SGM) families relates to their children’s emotional and behavioral health. The study shows a clear link between the stigma faced by parents and their children’s mental health in SGM families.
Mental Health Campaign Dramatically Cuts Treatment Delays for Psychosis
May 30, 2025 | NWI
A targeted mental health awareness campaign significantly reduced the time it takes for individuals experiencing psychosis to seek and receive treatment in New Orleans, according to a new study.
Father’s Mental Health Can Impact Children for Years
May 30, 2025 | NWI
New research reveals that when paternal depression goes undiagnosed or unaddressed, the negative social and behavioral effects on children can persist for years. The study reports that children exposed to paternal depression when entering kindergarten are far more likely to have teacher-reported behavioral difficulties and poor social skills at age 9.
The Opportunities and Effects of Climate Action on Adolescents
May 30, 2025 | NWI
In recent years, the issue of climate change has mobilized young people across the globe to participate in climate justice protests, campaigns, and marches, and even to lead some of the world’s largest climate action organizations. Research shows that young people are particularly concerned about and conscious of climate change and uniquely inspired to find solutions, make a difference, and participate in climate action.
Teens With Mental Health Conditions Use Social Media Differently
May 30, 2025 | NWI
Adolescents with mental health conditions report distinct and often more negative experiences on social media compared to their peers. Those with internalizing conditions like anxiety and depression were more likely to compare themselves to others, struggle with self-control, and experience mood changes tied to likes and comments. On average, teens with any mental health condition spent about 50 minutes more daily on social media than those without. While causality is unclear, these patterns suggest social media may amplify emotional challenges.